Sub-clinical Detection of Left Ventricular Myocardial Dysfunction in Valvular Heart Diseases: A State-of-the-Art Review in a Speckle Tracking Echocardiography and Myocardial Performance

Purpose of the state-of-the-art review: Left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) is recently recognized as a more sensitive measure of LV myocardial systolic function compared with LV ejection fraction (LVEF). In addition, left ventricular GLS , myocardial performance index (MPI) and maximum rate of LV pressure rise during isovolumetric contraction (LV dP/dtmax) are more reproducible than traditional assessment of LV systolic function by two dimensional echocardiography (2DE) LVEF. These underutilized techniques can detect preclinical myocardial dysfunction in patients who are at risk of LV failure in valvular-induced heart disease . Current guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of valvular heart disease (VHD) include LVEF as one of the parameters to take into consideration in the clinical decision-making. However, a large body of evidence has shown that left ventricular GLS, MPI and LV dP/dtmax have been classically considered as a sensitive marker of LV contractility and inotropic state. In turn GLS and myocardial performance may be a better prognosticator than LVEF in aortic and mitral valve heart diseases. This timely state-of-the-art review, appraised the evidence and role of GLS, MPI and dP/dT as clinical tools in patients with aortic and mitral valve disease. Recent findings: Left ventricular GLS has been shown to be prognostic in low-flow, low-gradient severe aortic stenosis with preserved LVEF. The role of left ventricular GLS, Tei index (MPI) and maximum rate of LV pressure rise (LV dP/dtmax) in patients with aortic regurgitation and mitral valve diseases (regurgitation and stenosis) is less well established. Summary: Echocardiography is considered the primary non-invasive imaging tool for valvular heart disease assessment and the cornerstone method in diagnosing and evaluating the morphology and severity of aortic and mitral valve diseases. Currently, diagnostic-cardiac catheterization is no more recommended except in very rare cases when echocardiographic image quality is suboptimal, non-diagnostic and when the results of 2DE are discrepant with clinical data. Once clinical decision-making is based on the 2DE and three dimensional echocardiographic in assessment of the severity of mitral and aortic valve diseases, it is crucial that standards should be adopted to maintain accuracy and consistency across echocardiographic laboratories. This illustrative review article assesses left ventricular systolic function (LVEF) employing two and/or three dimensional echocardiography in comparison to GLS, MPI and LV dP/dtmax, especially applied for aortic valve (AV) and mitral valve (MV) diseases. It is noteworthy that this document only provides echocardiographic standards rather than making recommendations for clinical management. Conclusion: It is concluded that GLS, MPI and maximum rate of LV pressure rise during isovolumetric contraction (LV dP/dtmax) are recommended and more so, they should be increasingly used to identify subclinical LV myocardial dysfunction in patients with mitral and aortic valve heart diseases, to identify optimal timing for surgery and prognosticate outcomes after surgery

Micro Vascular and Macro Vascular Disease in Systemic Hypertension: The Role of Cardiac Imaging and Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Polymorphism

Systemic Hypertension (HTN) accounts for the largest amount of attributable Cardiovascular (CV) mortality worldwide. There are several factors responsible for the development of HTN and its CV complications. Multicenter trials revealed that risk factors responsible for Micro Vascular Disease (MVD) are similar for those attributable to Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) which include tobacco use, unhealthy cholesterol levels, HTN, obesity and overweight, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, diabetes, insulin resistance, increasing age and genetic predisposition. In addition, the defective release of Nitric Oxide (NO) could be a putative candidate for HTN and MVD. This study reviewed the risk stratification of hypertensive population employing cardiac imaging modalities which are of crucial importance in diagnosis. It further emphasized the proper used of cardiac imaging to determine patients at increased CV risk and identify the management strategy. It is now known that NO has an important eff ect on blood pressure, and the basal release of endothelial Nitric Oxide (eNOS) in HTN may be reduced. Although there are diff erent forms of eNOS gene allele, there is no solid data revealing the potential role of the polymorphism of the eNOS in patients with HTN and coronary vascular diseases. In the present article, the prevalence of eNOS G298 allele in hypertensive patients with micro vascular angina will be demonstrated. This review provides an update on appropriate and justified use of non-invasive imaging tests in hypertensive patients and its important role in proper diagnosis of MVD and CAD. Second, eNOS gene allele and its relation to essential hypertension and angina pectoris are also highlighted

Prediction of Preclinical Myocardial Dysfunction among Obese Diabetics with Preserved Ejection Fraction Using Tissue Doppler Imaging and Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Background. Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are two interrelated and preventable disorders. However, they are responsible for significant global mortality from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Clinical studies have demonstrated that global longitudinal strain (GLS) using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE), can assess myocardial function accurately in apparently, healthy patients with diabetes and obesity in the settings of acute and chronic ischemia and suspected cardiomyopathy without heart failure. No such studies have been published to date regarding subclinical detection of cardiac dysfunction among obese patients with T2DM. This study aims to investigate the role of STE in the early pre-clinical diagnosis of impairment of diastolic and systolic dysfunction in obese patients with T2DM. This study also investigated whether it is possible to detect early pre-clinical impairment of diastolic and systolic dysfunction in obese T2DM patients, via Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI), maximum rate of left ventricular pressure development (peak dP/dt) and GLS using STE for comparison. Subjects and Methods. After clearance from the review board of Dibba- Hospital, Alfujairah, UAE, all the available records of patients with the diagnosis of obesity and diabetes were examined. The study included 214 patients presenting with obesity in conjunction with diabetes and 93 age-matched healthy control subjects. STE was performed among all the patients and subjects along with Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI). This study assessed maximal rate of pressure rise during ventricular contraction (peak dP/dt) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) using STE methods. Transthoracic echocardiography, myocardial Doppler-derived systolic (sm), early diastolic velocity (em) and GLS were also obtained, among all the subjects. Results. The results show that cardiac functions via conventional echocardiography (CE) were similar in the 2 groups. Using TDI and conventional mitral Doppler flow, obese subjects with diabetes showed an evidence of diastolic function abnormalities in the form of lower Ea velocity (9.5 ± 2.9 vs. 18.4 ± 3.5 cm/s, p < 0.0001), an increased Aa velocity (16.5 ± 2.4 vs. 14.1 ± 2.2 cm/s p < 0.05), higher left ventricular filling pressure (E/Ea = 12 ± 4.4 vs 8±3.1), p 35) (n = 26) had reduced LV systolic and diastolic function compared with healthy controls. Regarding, systolic function indices, the findings revealed lower average longitudinal peak systolic strain, sm and reduced em, although, LV ejection fraction remained normal (56.48% ± 8.81). Among subjects with severe obesity (n = 26), the findings reveal that global longitudinal presystolic strain (GLPSS) is highly correlated with maximum rate of pressure development of LV (dp/dt), although the LVEF remained normal, in comparison to systolic strain and dp/dt. (.5% ±1.4 vs -19.54% ± 4.5; p < 0.001), in the age-matched healthy subjects. However, the frequency/grade of DCM detected by STE, among patients having obesity with T2DM, correlated closely with the degree of obesity, metabolic abnormalities and clustering of other major risk factors, especially high blood pressure. The findings also revealed that chest pain due to coronary heart disease (CAD), dyspnea and DCM were more common among female patients compared to men. Conclusion. The results indicate that patients having obesity with T2DM should be advised to undertake early TDI and STE for early diagnosis of decreased cardiac diastolic and systolic dysfunctions and cardiomyopathy, which is likely to be missed by conventional echocardiography. Significant differences in regional and global strain were also identified between the severely obese diabetic (BMI ≥ 35), (GLPSS (-13) patients compared to less obese subjects

The Fundamental Skills and Deconstructed Sub-Steps of Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Perfusion education programs use simulation to provide students with clinical skills prior to entering the operating room. To teach the psychomotor execution of skills in a simulation lab requires a list of validated skills and deconstructed sub-steps to fully optimize adult learning. A list of the fundamental skills of adult cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was recently published; however, no defined list exists regarding pediatric CPB skills. The purpose of this survey is to form a definitive list of skills fundamental to pediatric CPB. A survey of 23 proposed pediatric CPB clinical skills and 291 proposed skill sub-steps was developed. Proposed pediatric CPB skills were evaluated using an established frequency and harm index. If the skill is performed >50% of the time (frequency), and if >50% believe that if the skill is performed incorrectly patient harm is probable (risk), then the skill is accepted as fundamental. The survey content was validated by subject matter experts and then distributed to practicing perfusionists between September 2020 and December 2020. Of the 125 survey respondents, 57.9% had 10 or more years in the field. 35.2% of respondents are American Society of Extracorporeal Technology (AmSECT) Fellows of Pediatric Perfusion (FPP) and pediatric CPB represents >50% of the annual caseload for 69.7% of respondents. 22 of the 23 proposed skills were accepted as fundamental in the conduct of pediatric CPB and 258 of the 291 proposed sub-steps associated with CPB skills were accepted as integral to skill performance. By surveying practicing pediatric perfusionists, this study identifies 22 skills as fundamental to the safe execution of pediatric CPB. In addition, skill sub-elements were identified as necessary for skill execution. This knowledge will assist perfusion programs in developing a pediatric simulation curriculum that matches current clinical execution of pediatric skills

Strengthening vaccines and medicines manufacturing capabilities in Africa: challenges and perspectives

Africa carries a high burden of infectious diseases. Every year, millions of Africans contract tuberculosis, malaria, and many other diseases. Malaria kills hundreds of thousands of children under the age of five years annually. More than 11,000 people died during the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa; still, occasional cases of Ebola, as well as monkeypox, periodically appear in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since most of the African countries gained their independence during the 1960s, the continent has relied heavily on the outside world for diagnostics, medicines, vaccines, personal protective equipment, and other medical supplies. Africa consumes nearly 25% of the globally produced vaccines but imports 99% and 95% of its vaccines and medicines, respectively. The 55 African countries were not able to ensure the health of 1.3 billion Africans during the COVID‐19 pandemic but had to rely on other global initiatives and other countries for help and support. However, the pandemic and the shortage of vaccines may have been the much‐needed trigger for this situation to change. “When misfortunes increase, they erase each other.” Naguib Mahfouz (1911–2006)

The Effectiveness of Three Different Curricular Models to Teach Fundamental ECMO Specialist Skills to Entry Level Perfusionists

The dramatic increase in the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) over the last decade with the concomitant need for ECMO competent perfusionists has raised questions of how well perfusion education programs are preparing entry-level perfusionists to participate in ECMO. While all perfusion schools teach ECMO principles, there is no standardized or systematic approach to the delivery of didactic knowledge and clinical skills in ECMO. Given this variability of ECMO education across and within perfusion schools, the CES-A exam may provide a metric for comparing curricular approaches. The purpose of this study is to examine three different curricular approaches to prepare new perfusion graduates to master the Adult ECMO Specialist Certification exam (CES-A). We examined three different curricular approaches to prepare new perfusion graduates to master the Adult ECMO Specialist Certification exam (CES-A). We hypothesized that there would be no difference in CES-A pass rate, exam score, Rasch measure, and item category scores between SUNY Cardiovascular Perfusion Program (CVP) graduates who completed SUNY’s ECMO Capstone experience (Group III) and CVP graduates who did not select the ECMO Capstone experience (Group II). Further, we studied the performance of a third group of new graduates from an external program that does not offer formal ECMO courses or an ECMO Capstone experience (Group I). Every perfusion graduate in all groups passed the adult ECMO specialist exam. The graduates who as students completed an ECMO Capstone experience (Group III) scored higher on the exam and significantly higher on four exam categories: coagulation and hemostasis (p = .058), lab analysis point of care (p = .035), and monitor patient and circuit (p = .073), and the safety and failure modes (p = .017). Overall the median graduate Rasch measures ranked with Group III demonstrating the highest measure to Group I the lowest measures (not significant at p = .085). There is a positive educational effect due to CVP graduates completion of the ECMO Capstone experience compared to the program standard ECMO-related curricula in the two perfusion programs participating in this study. From this observation a structured ECMO simulation-based program appears to be equally effective as a traditional, typical lecture-only, clinical perfusion preceptorship, while demonstrating a more satisfactory experience with a higher reported case experience. In this study the standard perfusionist education curriculum prepared the new graduate to be successful on the CES-A exam. The three curricular approaches appear to prepare perfusionist graduates to be successful on the Adult ECMO Specialist exam

Multiple Thrombotic Events in a 67-Year-Old Man 2 Weeks After Testing Positive for SARS-CoV-2: A Case Report

BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the viral pathogen responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a pandemic respiratory illness. While many patients experience mild to moderate symptoms, severely affected patients often progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Specific to COVID-19, abnormal coagulability appears to be a principal instigator in the progression of disease severity and mortality. In this report we summarize a case of COVID-19 in which extreme thrombophilia led to patient demise. CASE REPORT A 67-year-old man in New York presented to the hospital 14 days after testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 at an outpatient site. His initial presenting symptoms included sore throat, headache, fever, and diarrhea. He was brought in by his wife after developing sudden onset confusion and dysarthria. The patient\u27s clinical picture, which was unstable on presentation, further deteriorated to involve significant desaturations, generalized seizure activity, and cardiac arrest requiring resuscitation. Upon return to spontaneous circulation, the patient required intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, and vasopressor increases. Comprehensive workup uncovered coagulopathy with multiple thrombotic events involving the brain and lungs as well as radiographic evidence of severe lung disease. In the face of an unfavorable clinical picture, the family opted for comfort care measures. CONCLUSIONS In this case report on a 67-year-old-man with COVID-19, we present an account of extreme hypercoagulability that led to multiple thrombotic events eventually resulting in the man\u27s demise. Abnormal coagulation 14 days from positive testing raises the question of whether outpatients with COVID-19 should be screened for hypercoagulability and treated with prophylactic anticoagulation/antiplatelet agents

Acute lung injury: how to stabilize a broken lung

Abstract The pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) results in heterogeneous lung collapse, edema-flooded airways and unstable alveoli. These pathologic alterations in alveolar mechanics (i.e. dynamic change in alveolar size and shape with each breath) predispose the lung to secondary ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). It is our viewpoint that the acutely injured lung can be recruited and stabilized with a mechanical breath until it heals, much like casting a broken bone until it mends. If the lung can be “casted” with a mechanical breath, VILI could be prevented and ARDS incidence significantly reduced